An Interview with Louis Hobson, Star of 5th Avenue Theater's Locally-Cast Production of West Side Story
Later this month, the 5th Avenue Theater opens what they're calling a 50th-anniversary production of West Side Story, recreating the original Jerome Robbins choreography. This isn't a touring show starring some washed-up 70s sitcom star--the 5th Avenue is using local talent. Hoorah!
Rogers (Puyallup) High product Louis Hobson, a 5th Ave regular, is playing Tony. We emailed questions, he emailed answers.
Is it Lou-wee or Lou-wis? I never know.
It's Louis and not Louie, or god forbid, Lewis. There's a difference. I don't really care much for Lewises. Actually I was born Louis and my parents called me Louie until I was in 1st grade and I changed it back to Louis because I thought Louis sounded more mature.
Officer Krupke--Just doing his job, or enthusiastic harasser of young Puerto Ricans?
I think that Krupke and Shrank are just trying to keep the whole thing from descending into the Lord of the Flies. I wouldn't want to be one of the guys having to keep a bunch of kids they probably couldn't care less about from killing each other.
What's your favorite song in the show?
This is one of the most beautiful scores in all of theater and the whole thing is a pleasure to sing, but if I had to pick one song I would say One Hand, One Heart. It's simple, honest and emotional without being melodramatic or sappy.
"Violent gang leader" isn't the typical role for a leading man in the world of musical theater. Is playing Tony any special challenge?
In every role you try and find a truth and bring to life that character the best you can. I think when you look back on the time and place this story takes place and see what these people were dealing with; poverty, death, hopelessness, gangs, violence, abuse, etc., you have to figure that these are real people with real problems. Tony is a product of that environment and when he sees Maria for the first time I think he sees a way out of that life. I think there is a real violence to Tony but there is also a great capacity for love. He, like most of the people in this story, is a good person who is ultimately a victim of his circumstances.
I heard you and your wife had a baby daughter last week--congrats! I have to ask--you must know a billion songs--what's the first one you sang to her?
I'm notorious for forgetting the songs I sing in shows after I'm done with them. I think I get so many of them in there that I have to dump them out when I'm done to make room for the next ones. I actually make up songs for our baby depending on what I want her to do or to accompany an activity. Songs like "It's time to wake up" or "Baby make a poopy," stuff like that. Funny story though...I was in rehearsals for West Side when my wife went into labor. I got the call that her contractions were really close as I was singing Something's Coming. The lyrics are very appropriate.
West Side Story runs from 5/26-6/17. Tickets are $20-75, and are on sale now.
